Rather than threaten Rune, Justin drew his sword so that he could remind Rune that he is not alone.

This oath is the most binding oath of fealty in Valheigh. We don’t get to see the castle guards reactions, but they are impressed – Rune must be worthy of respect for Justin to have sworn this oath to him.

Lord Dawson swears a weaker oath of fealty to Rune in the short story Allegiances.